Donna Kidwell, Realtor with Keller Williams Metropolitan, loved puzzles growing up. Today, she is still putting puzzles together and solving challenges, but now it is in the real estate industry.

She is connecting people and homes, and helping her clients find success with their real estate goals.

After over four decades in the real estate industry, Kidwell has learned how to solve the challenges and turning them into success.

"I have a designer who graduated from UT in designing. Once, I had a client who did not want to change her orange walls and carpet. I brought in the designer to help us and she staged the house as if it was supposed to have orange everywhere. We sold the house shortly thereafter. Also, many times new owners do not know how to place their furniture in their new home. When this happens, I bring the designer in. Whatever my clients need during the process or after closing, I am there for them," Kidwell said.

Also, in working with sellers, it often makes more sense for them to keep their home, so Kidwell may suggest they remodel or add a bedroom or make the changes they wanted in a new home. With her eye for detail, Kidwell may make suggestions to help her clients see a home's many possibilities.

Kidwell also surrounds herself with a successful team who care about helping people as much as she does, and in meeting clients' real estate needs.

"On my team is my son Shane Kidwell. He has had his license for 20 years. My assistant is my right hand," Kidwell said.

Others on her team include a handyman, plumber, cleaning people, professional photographer, electrician, landscaper, mover, title company, insurance agents, CPA, attorney and lenders.

"I heard once to plan your work and work your plan, which is the key to success and that is the fun part for me," Kidwell said.

Once Kidwell and her clients have identified the goals, a plan of action and activities are listed.

"The plan must be written, realistic and flexible. For example, I once had a young couple that found the home of their dream except it had a pool. In their plan there was to be no pool. We talked about it, and they bought the home. Then they filled the pool in so their children could have a play area. Sometimes, to reach a goal it is important to be flexible to be successful," Kidwell said.

Being a Realtor requires many hats, which is true for Kidwell. Her first step is to meet her clients and listen to their needs. Then she asks many questions and takes notes.

"With this information, I am better able to help them be successful," Kidwell said.

In real estate, people are looking for different types of homes, neighborhoods and amenities, which Kidwell helps find, due to her experience and knowledge of today's real estate market.

Keller Williams is one of the largest real estate companies in the United States with offices also in Canada and other countries. It has 16 offices in the Houston area.

She applauds the company's education and marketing system. She said clients benefit from the many services the company offers.

"My listings are ensured to be marketed online 24/7 through more than 350 search websites," she said. "It is a valuable and wonderful feeling when my clients are successful; it is a team effort of all of us working together. I love this industry and working with people. But most of all, I like the challenges of putting all the pieces together for my clients' success," Kidwell said.